NW Iowa News

Gaming is a common hobby, especially among teenagers, and advancements in technology make the virtual world more and more alluring every day.

It’s no surprise then that 90% of American teenagers play video games. On top of that, three-quarters of all American households have at least one gamer who plays for about six hours a week on average.

If you’re a parent, you may be concerned about how this screen time can affect your kids. Rest assured knowing that video games aren’t bad. They can even serve as a positive distraction. This form of play is like a virtual puzzle, one that helps educate kids in an engaging, positive way. Games may even improve life skills like reading, math, learning new languages and comprehension.

“Gaming is a great hobby for promoting psychological resilience by serving as a coping mechanism,” explains Dylan Strand, Lead Behavioral Tech for the Avera Addiction Care Center with Avera Behavioral Health. “Videos games are a positive outlet when used correctly. But when they are used as a constant avoidance, that’s when it becomes an issue.”

The Name of the Game: Moderation

Like any other behavior, if done too much or incorrectly, negative consequences and side effects arise.

A problematic gaming disorder may take shape, leading to behavioral health issues. Your teen could begin to struggle with impulse control. This works just like any other uncontrollable habit, such as an addiction with gambling, food or shopping.

Warning Signs of a Problematic Gaming Disorder

• Poor performance at school, work or with chores
• Irritability, anxiety, anger or emotional outburst when forced to stop gaming
• Use of video games to escape stress at work, school or personal conflicts
• Constant game playing that intensifies to reach more enjoyment
• Decline in personal hygiene, sleep or appetite
• Neglecting friendships or other hobbies
• Inability to limit gaming time
• Constant game-playing that intensifies

Well-being (physically and mentally) is a key initiative of Avera’s community partnership program. Avera partners with local organizations in communities we serve to bring access to health information like healthy food, clean water and decent housing.

How to Determine if it’s a Problem

So how do you determine if this behavior is healthy or unhealthy? Start by asking some questions:

• Is it getting in the way of relationships, school and other hobbies?
• Are they experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome, migraines and eye strain?
• Has the line between loving to play and having to play been crossed?
• Is it a substitute for avoiding deeper problems, like depression or strong emotions?
• Do they become upset when not playing or if the game is taken away?
• Are they often so distracted by it that they skip sleep and/or meals?
• Are others around them concerned about them?

Plus, there’s the amount of time spent doing it. Studies show that those with gaming disorders typically spend eight to 10 hours a day or at least 30 hours a week playing video games.

Besides the behavioral health concerns, other potential health risks can happen. These may include:

• Sedentary lifestyle
• Lack of face-to-face social engagement
• Problems with concentration and attention
• Avoidance of development tasks
• Repetitive stress injuries

In the long term, these mental health conditions may also lead to an inability to maintain healthy friendships or a job. Even issues with problem solving or managing stress could appear later in adulthood.

"With neurological disorders like epilepsy, there’s a higher risk of seizures with video games too,” said Strand.

If Your Teen Has a Problem, There’s Help

If your kid has a gaming problem, you can help them. Guide them away from the obsessive thought patterns and habits.

“Boundaries are such a useful tool to utilize with your teenager,” said Strand. "Boundaries will teach them what is acceptable and unacceptable. Their brains are still learning and developing an understanding of how to live and what’s important for survival. We need to assist them with setting boundaries so they can identify what’s healthy and what may not be healthy.”

Ideas for boundaries:

• Set a time limit for game play and stick to it.
• Keep phones, video game consoles and computers out of the bedroom.
• Help them get active with exercise to counteract sitting for long stretches of time.
• Spark their interest by introducing other activities for coping.

“If a person only has one main coping skill to deal with stress, anxiety and other mental health issues, it sets them up for failure because that’s the only thing they’re going to focus on,” described Strand. “If they have all these different tools in their tool bag, they can pick from a wide range of coping activities to help with different situations.”

Besides boundaries, communication makes a world of difference.

Remember to talk to them in a respectful manner. Ask questions and really listen to what they have to say. By simply being calm, positive and encouraging, you can help open up the dialog to constructive interactions.

Avoid “you” statements, like saying “you are playing too much and aren’t doing anything else.” This places blame and defenses can come up real fast. Instead, use “I feel” statements, by saying things like “I feel you haven’t been spending as much time with the family, and we miss you.” Or, “I feel your school work is starting to suffer. Are you playing too many video games?” Coming from a place of compassion and understanding is going to help the conversation flow better than critiquing them.

Tried everything we recommend and still not seeing a difference? You can seek professional help from your doctor, therapist or your child’s pediatrician.

Avera experts will help determine if there’s underlying mental health issue and address it with personalized treatment. This may include behavioral modification therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, individual therapy, family therapy or medication.

Learn about more digital mental health tips for kids.

Original source can be found here.